PARIS, June 19 (Reuters) – France striker Kylian Mbappe scored to set one other milestone as his aspect maintained their good document in Euro 2024 qualifying Group B with a 1-0 house victory in opposition to Greece who completed with 10 males after a late sending off on Monday.
Mbappe netted a second-half penalty to turn out to be the all-time main French scorer over a season with 54 targets for membership and nation, beating the mark set by Simply Fontaine in 1957-58.
It additionally helped the Paris St Germain ahead to maneuver stage with Manchester Metropolis striker Erling Haaland, who has the possibility to complete as prime scorer amongst these enjoying within the 5 major European leagues when Norway face Cyprus on Tuesday.
The consequence left France prime with 12 factors, six forward of second-placed Greece, who had Konstantinos Mavropanos despatched off within the 69th minute after Mbappe’s fifty fifth minute spot kick.
“It was a protracted season for the gamers,” stated France coach Didier Deschamps. “We did what we needed to to win this recreation even when we are able to remorse we didn’t rating one other since you by no means know what can occur late within the recreation.
“We needed to observe up on our win in opposition to Gibraltar, in entrance of our crowd,” stated midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, referring to France’s 3-0 win on Friday.
“We knew they had been a troublesome nut to crack however we did the job, three factors with out conceding a purpose. Now, straight to holidays.”
Randal Kolo Muani had a transparent probability within the twenty fifth minute with a downward header from Mbappe’s cross however his try went simply broad.
It got here after earlier alternatives for Mbappe and Kingsley Coman however the offensive trio hit a brick wall.
After having three penalty claims denied, Les Bleus had one other probability to attain, just for Jules Kounde’s volley to be tipped away by Odysseas Vlachodimos.
The hosts had been lastly awarded a penalty early within the second half after Antoine Griezmann, trying to join with a cross from the left, was hit within the head by Mavropanos.
Vlachodimos parried Mbappe’s spot kick nevertheless it needed to be taken once more because the keeper had left his purpose line too early.
Mbappe discovered the highest nook on his second try to attain his fortieth purpose in his seventieth worldwide and Greece’s hopes had been additional dashed when Mavropanos picked up a straight crimson card when he took down Kolo Muani, who was dashing in direction of purpose.
After Saturday’s win over Gibraltar, France have now scored 9 targets and stored clear sheets in all 4 qualifying video games.
They subsequent face third-placed Eire, who’ve three factors from three video games, at house on Sept. 7 when Greece journey to the Netherlands, who’re fourth with three factors from two matches.
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